Efeitos da eletroacupuntura no sistema purinérgico e em biomarcadores inflamatórios em adultos com dor lombar crônica não específica

Abstract

The purinergic signaling system as well as inflammatory markers participate in the regulation of pathological and physiological events for modulation of pain and inflammation. Electroacupuncture (EA) can promote distinct adaptations and influence purinergic signaling, as well as the inflammatory profile. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the purinergic system in chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLP) during EA treatment. A total of 23 patients with CNSLP of both sexes underwent one EA session for 20 minutes and the acute effects were verified before and after this session. EA was performed with a 5 mm needling depth at the acupoints Shenshu (BL23, bilateral), Dachangshu (BL25, bilateral), Weizhong (BL40, bilateral), Sanyinjiao (SP6, bilateral) and Xuan zhong (GB-39, bilateral). The EA stimulation parameters were intermittent wave, low frequency of 2 Hz and pulse width of 10 mA. Blood was collected before and after the EA session, and the inflammatory parameters, as well as the activities and expression of the purinergic system enzymes were verified. The results showed a significant increase in the concentration of extracellular ATP after EA (p < 0.0036) compared to pre-EA. In addition, there was an increase in the activity of AMP and ADA hydrolysis after EA (p < 0.0019 and p < 0.0021, respectively), and an increase in the expression of e5NT/CD73 after EA (p < 0.0007). Regarding inflammatory markers, an increase in IL-10 levels was observed (p < 0.0128). Regarding inflammatory markers, an increase in IL-10 levels was observed (p < 0.0128). A moderate and positive correlation was observed between e5NT/CD73 and IL-10 (r = 0.5141), and a moderate and negative correlation between e5NT/CD73 and IL-4 (r = -0.5266). These observations indicate an influence of EA in the modulation of the enzymatic behavior of ectonucleotidases, as well as in inflammatory markers in individuals with CNSLP.